…Says electoral success not sole responsibility of commission
…Security agencies, voters, others must play defined roles
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has emphasised that the success and credibility of the 2026 Osun State governorship election will depend on collective action by all stakeholders, rather than the efforts of the commission alone.
Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Osun State, Mutiu Agboke, made this known during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
He stressed that election management is a multi-stakeholder responsibility involving security agencies, political actors, civil society organisations, the media, and the electorate.
According to him, it is erroneous to hold INEC solely accountable for lapses that fall outside its statutory responsibilities.
“Election is a multi-stakeholder activity. Don’t put everything on the desk of INEC simply because we are organising the election,” he said.
Defined Roles, Shared Responsibility
Agboke explained that INEC’s primary mandate is to ensure the smooth conduct of elections through the provision of materials, training of personnel, voter registration, accreditation, and result management.
He noted that other critical actors, particularly security agencies, are responsible for maintaining order and addressing electoral offences such as vote buying and voter intimidation.
“If irregularities occur outside INEC’s control, it is wrong to apportion blame solely to the commission,” he added.
Security Agencies Key to Electoral Integrity
The REC highlighted the role of the Inter-Agency Consultative Committee on Electoral Security (ICCES) in coordinating security efforts before and during elections.
He said security agencies have already identified potential flashpoints and are expected to deploy strategies to ensure peaceful conduct across the state.
Agboke reiterated that enforcement actions, including arrests and prosecution of electoral offenders, fall within the jurisdiction of law enforcement agencies.
“INEC does not buy or sell votes. Those responsible for such acts should be held accountable,” he stated.
Clarification on Technology Use
Addressing concerns about electoral technology, Agboke clarified that the INEC Result Viewing Portal (IREV) is strictly for transparency and public viewing of results, not for collation.
He also explained that while results may be electronically transmitted, official collation remains manual, progressing from polling units to higher levels.
On the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), he assured that adequate training has been conducted to handle potential technical challenges, including network issues.
Voter Education, PVC Distribution Ongoing
The REC disclosed that INEC has intensified voter education campaigns across Osun State, with outreach programmes spanning all local government areas.
He also assured that Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) are being produced and will be distributed ahead of the August 15 election.
“You will get your card before the election,” he assured voters.
Credible Poll Hinges on Collective Effort
Agboke maintained that a credible election can only be achieved when all stakeholders align and perform their respective roles effectively.
He warned that any disconnect among stakeholders could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
As preparations intensify, he reaffirmed that the will of the people remains the ultimate determinant of the election outcome.
“Nothing determines the winner except the vote of the people,” he said.
